Iron & Oak Brewing Co.

The Story of Iron & Oak

In the heart of Portland's historic industrial district, Iron & Oak Brewing Co. was born from a love affair between raw metal and ancient wood. Our brewery occupies a century-old ironworks building, where the clang of the forge once echoed. When founders Sam Blackwood and Elena Vasquez stumbled upon the abandoned space in 2013, they saw not rust and decay, but the bones of a cathedral dedicated to craft.

Sam, a third-generation metalworker turned homebrewer, brought an engineer's precision to the kettle. Elena, whose family had run a small vineyard in California, introduced the subtleties of oak aging and the patience it demands. Together, they married the industrial aesthetic with the warmth of wood, creating beers that are both bold and nuanced. Their first batch – an oatmeal stout aged on bourbon-soaked oak chips – was an instant neighborhood hit, convincing them to take the leap from hobby to full-fledged brewery.

Since opening our doors in 2015, we have remained fiercely independent and dedicated to small-batch brewing. Every beer we produce is a labor of love, using the finest Pacific Northwest hops, house-cultured yeast strains, and water from the nearby Bull Run watershed. Our taproom, with its exposed brick, towering steel beams, and long communal tables, is a gathering place for dreamers, makers, and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted pint.

Today, Iron & Oak stands as a testament to the idea that strength and warmth can coexist. We are proud to be a cornerstone of the community, hosting art shows, live music, and charity events. Whether you're a seasoned hophead or new to the craft scene, there's a seat at our bar and a story in our glass waiting just for you.

Inside the Iron & Oak taproom with communal tables and exposed brick

By the Numbers

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What Sets Us Apart

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Small-Batch Craftsmanship

Every beer is brewed in small, meticulously monitored batches to ensure exceptional quality and character in every sip.

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Oak-Forward Aging

We harness the power of oak staves and barrels—drawn from our founder's wine roots—to add depth, warmth, and complexity to our ales.

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Hyper-Local Ingredients

From Willamette Valley hops to Oregon-grown barley, we partner with local farmers to source the freshest, most sustainable ingredients.

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Genuine Hospitality

Our taproom is a beacon for community—a place where stories are shared, friendships forged, and strangers become regulars.

To craft exceptional ales that honor the grit of our industrial heritage while embracing the artistry of oak. We brew to build community, one handcrafted batch at a time.

Our Core Values

Quality Without Compromise

We never rush a fermentation or cut corners on ingredients. Every beer is a true expression of its raw materials, guided by time and skill.

Community First

Our taproom is a living room for the neighborhood. We support local artists, musicians, and non-profits because a rising tide lifts all pints.

Respect for Tradition

We study classic styles and age-old methods, then adapt them with a bold, modern twist that defies expectations.

Sustainability

From repurposing spent grain as animal feed to installing solar panels, we are committed to reducing our footprint and protecting the planet that grows our ingredients.

Meet the Founders

Samuel "Sam" Blackwood

Head Brewer & Co-Founder

Sam traded his welding torch for a mash paddle after discovering that the alchemy of brewing was not so different from metallurgy. With a background in mechanical engineering, he obsesses over temperature curves, water chemistry, and the perfect hop schedule. Outside the brewery, he can be found restoring vintage motorcycles or hiking the Gorge.

Elena Vasquez

Operations & Community Manager / Co-Founder

Elena brings the soul to Iron & Oak. Raised on her family's Sonoma vineyard, she understands that patience and care yield the best results. She manages everything from keg logistics to taproom events, ensuring every guest feels like family. Her passion for oak-aged beers and food pairings is legendary among the staff.

Marcus Chen

Lead Designer & Brand Storyteller

Marcus is the creative force behind Iron & Oak's distinctive visual identity—from the forged steel logo to the hand-drawn label art. A Portland native, he draws inspiration from the city's bridges, workshops, and street art. When he's not designing, he's experimenting with wild fermentation in his basement.